I think the problem with laws like this is drawing a line when to stop. How much should a state protect you from yourself? I would argue, that the state should indeed protect mentally ill people from doing harm to themselves but should not hinder me to harm myself if I do not endanger others with my actions. I value my freedom much higher than winning the world life-expectancy competition.
Unfortunately our society works around fears. You need fear to get attention or political approval. Everything is getting more complex and thus more and more people want the to step in and regulate things for them.
Additionally this liberal [0] thinking is a bit elitist. To make it actually work in a society drifting apart, you would have to invest huge amounts in education and welfare to prevent typical health problems of the underclass. This would ironically increase the size of the state.
Unfortunately our society works around fears. You need fear to get attention or political approval. Everything is getting more complex and thus more and more people want the to step in and regulate things for them.
Additionally this liberal [0] thinking is a bit elitist. To make it actually work in a society drifting apart, you would have to invest huge amounts in education and welfare to prevent typical health problems of the underclass. This would ironically increase the size of the state.
[0]: In the European meaning of the word.